NHS Nurse, Sheena Johnson spoke about her experience

SJ: I am a qualified nurse with 15 years of experience at Epsom and St Helier University Hospital NHS Trust. Currently, I work as a Critical Care Outreach Practitioner and Independent Nurse Prescriber. My role involves supporting nurses and doctors in assessing and treating inpatients who are acutely unwell.

I had a unique opportunity to pioneer the Care Outreach Service within the trust which has been a significant highlight of my career. I studied Hospitality and Tourism in Jamaica, but when I moved to England 22 years ago, I struggled to find a job in the hospitality sector. As a result, I started working as a healthcare assistant at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for nursing while caring for patients with cognitive and behaviour problems due to brain injuries. I made the decision to switch from studying Tourism to pursuing a Nursing diploma, and that’s how my nursing journey started 15 years ago.

Throughout my career, there have been both highs and lows. Pioneering the critical care outreach service and completing my MSc in Healthcare Practice as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Nurse Prescriber are definite highs. However, the Covid-19 pandemic presented a real challenge. During this time, I felt overwhelmed, and exhausted, and struggled to cope while also experiencing personal loss. However, I found solace in expressing myself and became a Wellness champion, even gaining certification as a life coach. Regarding career advice and support, when I started in my Band 5 roles, It was not straightforward to get the necessary support to pursue further education and promotion.

However, I am pleased to see the positive steps taken in this area such as patient and public involvement in nurse education proposed by Health Education England (now NHS England) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Over the years, I have had a fulfilling and rewarding nursing career. I started as a Band 5 nurse on a surgical ward, caring for patients before and after surgery. My curiosity about patients who required ICU support led me to work
in the Intensive Care Unit. After gaining a qualification in intensive care practice, I became a band 6 senior staff nurse.

For six years, I provided care to critically ill patients requiring organ support, while also mentoring and leading teams. Eventually, I transitioned to the role of critical care outreach, where I could care for patients on the wards and prevent them from being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. This role also allowed me to share my critical care skills and knowledge with ward nurses.
For anyone considering a career as a nurse, I offer the following advice:
Research nursing opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of the profession. Identify what interests you about nursing and consider trying out some taster sessions in the field before making a commitment. Nursing offers diverse opportunities, so it’s essential to ensure it aligns with your passion and interests.

Overall, nursing has been an incredibly rewarding career for me, and I encourage aspiring nurses to pursue this profession with dedication, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning and self-care. Search NHS Careers to find out more.www.healthcareers.nhs.uk